Do you have leftover apple peels from making sauce, pie, and other seasonal apple dishes? Instead of tossing them in the compost, simmer the peels on the stove for a sweet scented tea.

This is technically a tisane rather than a tea, although you could add apple peels to a cup of black or green tea. What we do is forgo the tea leaves and simply simmer a handful of organic apple peels in a saucepan of water for 5-10 minutes.

Your kitchen will smell amazing, and the drink has the delicate flavor of apples and any other whole spices you add, such as a cinnamon stick, cardamom, or cloves. Honey and lemon are also good additions. Red apple peels impart a lovely shade of pink, but any peels are tasty.

If you live someplace where fall weather hasn't quite arrived and you can't imagine drinking hot tea (ahem, Los Angeles, we're looking at you!), this is also delicious chilled.

Apples are famously good for us. How often have you heard that "an apple a day keeps the doctor away"? Apples are delightfully crisp and juicy. Many varieties are available year-round. Unlike grapes or ripe bananas, apples stay firm in a backpack or purse, requiring no special protection. An apple makes an ideal after-school snack, requiring no preparation other than a quick wash.